joyce's posts with tag: inspirational
LIVING FOR GOD (Ephesians 4:31-32 & 5:1-2)..... Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children: and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma (Romans 12:9-11)..... Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Matthew 5:14-16)....."You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Philippians 4:4-7) ..... Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (James 1:22-25)..... But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does. (Colossians 2:6)..... As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. (1 Corinthians 10:31)..... Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (Matthew 10:32-33)....."Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. "But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven." (Hebrews 12:1)..... Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Philippians 4: 8-9)..... Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. Speak To Us Of Love When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth. Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast. All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart. But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say,
"God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it find you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart
and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips. ~Kahlil Gibran Faith makes all things possible.... love makes all things easy." The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons came from the journey, not the destination. When you have come to the edge Of all light that you know And are about to drop off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing One of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or You will be taught to fly" His Power Through us, Oh Lord, let Your radiance shine forth
As we bow in humbleness and awe.
Arise within us, Oh Mighty Power
As prayer and faith bring clarity of thought. Your Love alone, will conquer all!
Nothing else can stand with pride.
As You arise within our hearts
Your Glory alone will shine! No force within or without is greater
but Your power alone brings light to all.
Open our eyes to Your wondrous Being
capturing our hearts as understanding abides. Your power will rise within our hearts,
revealing strength, forgiveness, and love to all.
Let mercy and peace reign upon this earth
as revelation knowledge has begun. Holy, my Lord, to You alone.
Everlasting One…with no beginning and no end.
Embracing You with utter wonderment
Oh, how lovely, pure, and beautiful You are! Viola M. Jaynes
Father, I pray for those in my circle of family and friends who are carrying heavy loads...
Your Word says an anxious heart
weighs a person down, and this is how I think they must feel—as if they're carrying heavy loads, more than they can bear. When they feel upset and beside themselves, calm them down and comfort them with the assurance of Your love. Help them not be overwhelmed by anxious thoughts. (Proverbs 12:25a; Psalm 94:19)
Our hearts are not supposed to be troubled; but that's their struggle—help them trust You and the Lord Jesus, as I know they must. Help them understand that You are the One who makes a way when things seem impossible; nothing is too hard for You! (John 14:27; Isaiah 43:19; Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37)
Help them be faithful to You and to the way You want them to live, for You guard the lives of those who are faithful; You protect them and never turn away from them. Help them know You as their fortress, as the rock in whom they take refuge, as One who is good, whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 2:8; Psalm 37:28; 94:22; 100:5)
In Jesus' name, amen. - Jim & Kaye Johns
 ENCOURAGEMENT
Luke 21:15..... For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Jeremiah 1:9..... Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. Numbers 11: 17 ..... I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone. Exodus 31:3..... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-- Job 32:8..... But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. 2 Timothy 3:16 ..... All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, Romans 1:17....." And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."
1 John 4:18 ....."There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear ... " Deuteronomy 31:6 .....Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Isaiah 35:4 ...... say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
By Faith Not By Sight Author: Stephanie Storey Morant In waking I give thanks
In what’s not known
I have to trust, My Father
That yesterday’s pain is gone
For you’ve given me this day
For me to rejoice
To faithfully follow
To willingly hear your voice
For trials will come sometimes
And burdens I’ll have to bare
But you promised me father
To always be there
So I’m standing on that promise
No matter what I go through
And just in case I stumble
I’m depending on you
For you hold the master plan
And your path is always right
So today I’m embarking
By faith and not by sight Anyway Author: Mother Teresa People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end it is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway.
Mother Teresa 'I believe that any man's life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement, if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day, and as nearly as possible reaching the high water mark of pure and useful living. '
'There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. I don't care how great, how famous or successful a man or woman may be, each hungers for applause. '
'There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.'
 VISION 1 Timothy 4:13--Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Acts 13:2 --As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 1 Timothy 4:15--Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Psalms 127:1 --Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Proverbs 19:21 --There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. Acts 16:9 --And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. Proverbs 29:18 --Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he Habakkuk 2:2--And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Never allow what you see (your vision) be limited to current circumstances. Spiritual vision is given from above due to purpose and destiny for your existence. When circumstances seem to or attempt to cloud your view, find a Word 'seed' of promise for you to plant in what may seem like a barren time. There may be times of CHALLENGES UNCERTAINTIES FRUSTRATION FEARS SADNESS .....and DISAPPOINTMENTS Sometimes they are weeds attempting to choke out your seed. At other times, they themselves can be seeds of preparation... that can be used. Water your promises, dreams, visions, ... with faith, and allow God to grow them into existence ... of the destiny and purpose for which He created you... with spiritual encouragement and power for your journey to times of refreshing and fulfillment.
One of the most important aspects of success is the ability to visualize your path
and stay focused on the lighted path to your dreams, aspirations, callings, etc until you reach them. Establishing, or identifying your vision or life's purpose is the first step. "Not with his eyes but with His vision" "Life just seems so full of connections. Most of the time
we don't even pay attention to the depth of life.
We only see flat surfaces."
"To see what is in front of one's nose
needs a constant struggle."
"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."
"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."
"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful,
for beauty is God's handwriting -- a wayside sacrament.
Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every flower,
and thank God for it as a cup of blessing."
"If you go as far as you can see,
you will then see enough to go even farther."
"Our visions begin with our desires."
JUSTIFICATION Proverbs.17:15-- He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them together are detestable to the Lord. Roman.3:23,24-- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus Romans.4:6,7-- Just as David also speaks about the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE TRANSGRESSIONS ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED. Psalm.103:2,3-- Bless the Lord, . . . Who forgives all your iniquities, . 1 John.2:2-- And he (Jesus Christ) is the reconciling sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the sins of the whole world. Romans.3:10-12-- As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, together they have become worthless; there is no who does good, there is not even one." Romans.7:18,19-- For I know that no good thing dwells in me, that is in my sinful nature; for the willingness is present in me, but doing the good thing is not in me. For the good that I desire to do, I do not do; but the evil that I do not desire to do, this I keep doing. Psalm.19:12-- Who can discern his errors? Pardon my sins of ignorance. 2 Corinthians.5:21-- He made him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for our sake, so we might become the righteousness of God in him. Romans.5:9-- Therefore, having now been justified in his blood, by how much more shall we be saved through him from his wrath! The Stonecutter There was once a stonecutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life. One day, he passed a wealthy merchant's house and through the open gateway saw many fine possessions and important visitors.
"How powerful that merchant must be!" thought the stonecutter. He became very envious, and wished that he could be like the merchant. Then he would no longer have to live the life of a mere stonecutter. To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever dreamed of, envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. But soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants, and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession.
"How powerful that official is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a high official!" Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around, who had to bow down before him as he passed. It was a hot summer day, and the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence.
"How powerful the sun is!" he thought. "
I wish that I could be the sun!" Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and labourers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below.
"How powerful that storm cloud is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a cloud!" Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind.
"How powerful it is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the wind!" Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, hated and feared by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it -- a huge, towering stone.
"How powerful that stone is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a stone!"
Then he became the stone, more powerful than
anything else on earth. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the solid rock and felt himself being changed.
"What could be more powerful than I, the stone?" he thought.
He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stonecutter. Benjamin Hoff from The Tao Of Pooh 'The curse of poverty has no justification in
our age...The time has come for us to
civilize ourselves by the total, direct
and immediate abolition of poverty.'
Martin Luther King, Jr "Power is when you have every justification to kill someone, and then you don't" 'The modern conservative is engaged in
one of man's oldest exercises in moral
philosophy; that is, the search for a superior
moral justification for selfishness.'
 Interesting People Everywhere It’s easy to forget sometimes that everyone has a story to tell if we take the time to listen. We are so accustomed to hearing the stories of people in the news that we sometimes lose track of the fact that the random stranger on the bus also has a fascinating story about where they came from and how they got to be where they are. The sheer variety of paths taken in this world, from farmers to CEOs to homeless people to world travelers, is indicative of how much we can learn from each individual. Sometimes the shy, quiet person at work has the most amazing life story and the biggest dreams, it is up to us to take the time to find out.
Some people travel a path of wealth and privilege, while others struggle with only themselves to rely on, and both have great stories to tell. Each person learns lessons, makes choices, and develops a unique perspective, which only they can claim and share. Even two people who have had very similar lives will have slightly different experiences, leading them to a different point of view, so each person remains a treasure trove waiting to be explored. When we take the time to ask questions and listen, we find that every person has a fascinating story to tell and an utterly unique perspective from which to tell it.
Bearing this in mind, we have the opportunity to approach the world around us in a new way. There is never any reason to be bored at a party, or on the bus, or in a conversation with a stranger. When we retain the spark of curiosity and the warmth required to open someone up, we always have in front of us the makings of a great story. All we have to do is ask. What do you think?
The Unseen World Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, although this is a common way in which people deny the existence of spirit guides, angels, and other unseen helpers in our lives. However, anyone who has encountered such beings can attest to the fact that they do, indeed, exist, just as our breath exists, keeping us alive, even though we can’t see it. The wind exists, too, but we only know this because we feel it on our skin and hear it moving the leaves on the trees. All around us and within us are things we can’t see, and yet we know they are just as real as the grass beneath our feet.
What we see and don’t see may just be a matter of perspective, like the ladybug who sees the leaf on which she sits, but not the tree the leaf grows on, or the person sitting beneath it. And the person beneath the tree may or may not see the ladybug, depending on where he focuses his attention. Still, all of these things, whether seen or not seen by the person or the ladybug, exist in reality. Some people are more gifted at accessing that which we cannot see, but given an open and willing heart, anyone can tune into the invisible realm and begin to find their way.
Human beings have always done this, and it is only recently that we have fallen into distrusting the existence of what we can’t see. If you have lost touch with the unseen world, all you have to do is resolve to open your heart to its existence, and it will make itself known. Closing your eyes in meditation and visualization, or engaging the unseen through the written word, are just two ways to welcome the invisible back into your life. Whatever you choose to do, cultivating a relationship with that which you can’t see is a time-honored human practice that can greatly enhance your life. What do you think?
 Finding Our Life’s Work Sometimes it takes us the better part of a lifetime to discover our life’s work, even though we may have been doing it our whole lives without necessarily realizing it. Our life’s work is not always what we do to make money, although we often think it should be, and sometimes this way of thinking prevents us from seeing clearly what it is. It may be the work of having children, caring for them, and running a household. The way we know our life’s work is by how we feel when we are doing it.
When we are doing our life’s work, we feel an uncanny sense of ease and alignment. This doesn’t mean that the work is always easy, and it doesn’t mean that it’s the only work we have to do; it just means that there is a conviction deep inside us that tells us we are in tune with our innermost self. When we are engaged in our life’s work, our bodies feel more alive, because our energy is devoted to a cause that, in turn, feeds us. We may be tired after engaging in our life’s work, but we are almost never depleted. We feel grounded in the world, knowing that we belong here and have something important to offer.
When we are deeply unhappy, depressed, or subject to one illness after another, this may be due to a sense of disconnection from our life’s work. At times like these, finding the work we are meant to do is an essential act of healing. Most of us remember a time when we felt fully engaged in some act of work, service or creativity, and it is here that we may rediscover the work we are meant to do now. On the other hand, it may be time to explore what inspires us through volunteering, taking a class, going back to school, or just doing whatever it is we long to try. We all have callings, and when we find them, we owe it to ourselves to nurture and protect them, because while they may or may not be our livelihood, they are the keys to our wellbeing
 In the spirit of Mother's Day, I would like to share with you all highlights of perhaps the most prolific event in the history of this generation.
A celebration of 64 faces from television, music, and national news. Freedom fighters, and trail blazers in front, and behind the scenes. Voices, and faces that have inspired us all of our lives. I would have loved to been there.... In my lifetime, I never thought I would get to see the many faces of fame, inspiration, and stardom as I did when I got to see this vision of Oprah's come alive. I am moved, to tears, because these people celebrated God, life, love, and each other. I hope this makes us feel good as women, as black women, and as motivators and mothers of this generation....
 WORD FOR TODAY
Wisdom
1. Daniel full of wisdom Daniel 5:14 I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee
2. God gave Joseph unusual wisdom Acts 7;10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
3. Lord will give you understanding 2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what i say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
4. Pray for wisdom James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
5. Wise with spiritual wisdom Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Grow Heavenward
God said:
When you look up at Me, you are not looking down.
World influence often tends to pull you down.
My influence, by its very nature, lifts you up.
The world has gotten in the habit of denigrating you.
The world gives you a false picture.
It would cut you off at the start,
wanting to keep you indentured to it.
I would have you rise to the heights where you rightfully belong.
Come, look up. Come see a truer picture of you.
In its efforts to keep you small, the world would squash you. I would unleash you.
Do not think I am in competition with the world.
There is no competition when it comes to Me.
Only, life in the world travels on the surface.
It twirls itself around and wants to keep you captive.
I want to free you from the arbitrary restraints of the world.
I am not telling you to spurn the world.
I am telling you to not believe so much in what it says.
Adore the world. At the same time, do not hold it almighty.
You are not really its province. I
t doesn’t own you.
Instead of the world’s twirling you,
by the height of your thoughts, twirl the world.
There is a level beyond the world.
Reach for it.
In your daily life, you will know what is clearly from God
and what is clearly from man.
Look up at the sun and the sky,
and you will know the jewels I have strewn the world with.
Look at what I would show you, beloveds.
The world is imperfect by its own standards.
And yet it would pompously brag
and invite you to join in its legerdemain.
It is my pleasure to offer you the pure fruit of Heaven.
You are meant to be the tillers of the world, not the tilled.
You are not to be pounded into the ground.
You are meant to plant beautiful flowers
and vegetables that, like you, will grow Heavenward.
You would not turn down My invitation to join Me, would you?
Do not tremble.
Do not hold Me in awe.
Hold Me in love.
If you are a building block of the world,
represent Me. Set your feet firmly near Me.
Hold the world up to Me, beloveds.
Hold it in your hands like a precious jewel
that you polish.
Hold the world up like the sun.
 Apologetics
1. Be light o the world Mathew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 2. Be ready with answer 1 Peter 3:15 But, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. 3. Be salt Matthew 5: 13 Ye are the salt of the Earth: but if the salt has lost its savor, where with shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men 4. Contend for the faith Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 5. Paul reasoned with the Jews and the Gentiles Acts 17:2; 18:4,9 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scripture. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. Paid In Full A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said "with all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, a sudden feeling of sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still gift-wrapped Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt.7:11, "And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?" As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL. How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?
Regeneration
God creates clean heart....Psalm 51: 10.....Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me.
God creates new hearts....Ezekiel 36:26. 27.....A new heart will I also give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
God creates tender hearts....Ezekiel 11: 19, 21.....And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh: But a for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.
God removes all impurities....Isaiah 1: 25.....And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purge away thy dross; and take away all thy tin
God writes law on hearts....Jeremiah 31: 33.....But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jesus gives living water ....John 4 :10.....Jesus answered and said unto her, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water."
Jesus is a life-giving vine....John 15:1,3.....I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman
Jesus is bread from heaven....John 6: 50, 51, 57.....This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if a man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. As the living fatherahath sent me, and I live by the father: so he that eateth me, even shall he live by me.
New birth....John 3: 5; 1 Peter 1: 23 .....Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Our lives are characterized by necessary losses. Birth, puberty, menstruation, marriage, menopause, balding--all are little deaths with subsequent rebirths, heralding change and opportunities for growth.
We cannot live except as an ongoing succession of births, deaths, and rebirths.
To have life, we must lose it, like the grain of wheat that falls to the ground to produce a rich harvest.Multitudes of people are continually keeping away from the higher and better things because they are forever clinging to the old.
If they would use, and pass on the old, room would be made for new things to come.
If a tree holds on to it's leaves each year after they have served their purpose, where would be the full and beautiful new life that will be put forth in the Spring?Push...when you get your next pain, because God is bringing you out...developing your character for the next level.
Wherever Jesus is, someone is going to get out..be loosed...be blessed...and be healedSituations helps us connect to where He wants us to be. Trouble will stop when it accomplishes what God sent it to do.
Trouble is never meant to kill us, but to bless us, and no blessing comes without going through something.
No victory comes without conflict...We have to keep saying, "I'm coming out"
At our wit's end, we should say, I'm still here.
Thank God for what we have left.
The victory is in what you have left to grow on. Our vision needs to come up with our prayers. We should shout when we go into trouble, be confident when trials come, because God is getting the glory out of it.. God is trying to plant new seeds into our hearts. We think we've been through too much to be happy, but our future can be brighter than our past...if we only believe it.The Guest HouseThis being human is a guest house.Every morning is a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness,some monetary awareness comesas an unexpected visitor.Welcome and entertain them all!Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,who violently swept your houseempty of its furniture,still, treat each guest honorably.He may be clearing you outfor some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice,meet them at the door laughing,and invite them in.Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sentas a guide from beyond.JALAL AL-DIN RUMIIf we take the example of music, letting go of one note to hear the next, then our pleasure can be constant through the vibrations change.
 Necessity of Christ's Incarnation
Came as sacrifice to sin....Hebrews 10:8-14 Above, when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God, He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right side of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Came to become our High Priest....Hebrews 5:1,2 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity Came to destroy works of devil....1 John 3:8 he that hath commiteth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Came to fulfill Davidic Covenant ....Luke 1:31-33 And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. he shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end Came to give an example of living....1 Peter 2:21-23 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Came to reveal God....John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him INCARNATION When the Holy One stepped from endless order
into the chaos of our days, it was winter.
Weather blew everywhere. Time itself was dying.
The squirrel, with a tail soft as breath,
curled inside the maple trunk. The cold stayed. Five-fingered leaves pressed the ground,
their stems perpendicular, thin wrists above each flame-tipped palm.
Cataclysm scanned the days; like any future, like our own.
The Holy One took face and voice, beginning with an infant cry,
took food and sleep, nestled in arms not unlike yours. He listened to the dropping rain, watched it bead the naked twigs,
saw it polish stones and faces, stood once under this lift of sky
and still, in a word, understands. ~Author Unknown~ My heart bursts with joy and wonder
At that magnificus event
When our Father, with sinners in mind
Decreed His Son be sent Yet with no reluctance whatever
The Word said "Father, I'll go;
To become a man a humbling thing,
But no other way, We know." Such in mind, our Savior
Blessed sinners such indeed
Though beautiful Babe in Bethlehem
At Calvary He must bleed That's why I've a song in my heart ~Unknown~
 MATURITY
Be steadfast 1 Peter 5: 10 But the God of all grace, who hast called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a while, make ye perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Content in all situations Philippians 4: 12, 13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Discipline from God fosters maturity Hebrews 12: 6-9 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. if ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chasteneth, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the father od spirits, and live? Grow in faith and love 2 Thessalonians 2, 3 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.We are bound always to thank God for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; Grow to completion Philippians 1: 6 be confident of this very thing, that he that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:. Partaker of deeper truths Hebrews 5: 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Stand firm Philippians 1: 27, 28 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Stay Calm 2 Timothy 4: 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Think like adults 1 Corinthians 14: 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding, be men. Some people believe that you can have some experience in your life and all of a sudden you have arrived, you’re perfect. That is not the way our Christian life is pictured in the Bible. In this passage we have a call to press on. There is a warning that no one has arrived. We never reach a level of moral perfection in this life. That will happen when we are with the Lord in heaven. It could be summed up by the old Negro Spiritual song. "Please be patient with me. God is not through with me yet." It is a journey. It is a goal. The first goal that we see is that we must press on. Look at verse 12. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. This is the Apostle Paul speaking. He is saying, "I have not yet arrived. I have not yet obtained all these things." So we know that nobody in the Christian life has arrived. Not the Pastor, not the deacon, not Billy Graham. No one has arrived. We are all called in this journey to press on. Spiritual growth requires an ongoing lifetime commitment. Paul wrote this instruction because there were members of the church at Philippi who thought they had arrived. They thought that everything was where it needed to be in their life and they did not realize they need to continually press on in Christ. Those are the times we are called to press on. We are to be more like Christ and continue to look ahead to the finish line. Paul wants to make this point so clear. He does this through an illustration. He talks about the imagery of the games. He talks about one who is running a race. The race could only be won when the runner gives the race his full attention. That is what we find in the story of the tortoise and the hair. Here is one who can run fast, but if distracted they will not win the race. Paul says, Run in such a way that you may win. Press on that you have your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and the goal of becoming more like him. When God Came To Him When God came to him
For the first time,
God saw his heart
Fast asleep.
Therefore, God went back
To His celestial Abode. When God came to him
For the second time
His mind rejected God. When God came to him
For the third time
His vital ignored God. When God came to him
For the fourth time,
His life criticised God. When God came to him
For the fifth time,
He asked God
Why He continued coming.
He asked God if God was a beggar
Or a robber. God said to him,
"My child,
I am neither a beggar
Nor a robber.
I just cannot help seeing you,
For you are My Divinity’s
Self-Transcendence-Dream."
If you fear punishment,
Then why don't you love
Enlightenment more?
In enlightenment
Punishment is an undeniable unreality.
 God's Sovereignty
Can do all things Job 42: 2 I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be with-holden from thee. Eternal dominion Daniel 4: 35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and no one can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? His plan alone stands Psalms 33: 8, 9 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done, he commandeth, and it stood fast. King over the Earth Psalm 47:2 For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great king over all the earth Lord does whatever pleases Him Psalm 135: 6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in Heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth, he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasures. Most High over all the Earth Psalm 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth Potter rules over clay Isaiah 45:9,10 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioned it, What maketh thou? or thy work, he hath no hands? Woe unto him that sayeth unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, what hast thou brought forth? Rules over all things Deuteronomy 10:14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. Who can stop God? Job 9:12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him Who will say unto him, What doest thou? No one has seen or can see God 1 Timothy 6: 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. God said: No longer are you to feel: "This is mine," which is the same as feeling: "This is not anyone's but mine. This is not yours. It has my name on it, not yours. It is all mine." No longer do you possess, and no longer do you deny. What you deny is the sovereignty of Oneness. When you have to have, you affirm lack. When you don't have to have, you affirm abundance. When you affirm abundance, you also affirm love and the brotherhood of man. This is not sacrifice, beloveds. This is not reduction. This is expansion. You do not give up anything in order to go beyond ownership. Frankly, what is ownership but hoarding? Which is greater? To hoard or to share? Of course, you can share in what is only tokenly yours in the first place, beloveds. When there is not selfishness, sharing is no longer something necessary to think about. You are like a child who says: "These are my marbles. This is my toy horse. This is my mother's wooden spoon." A child is trying to identify himself in the world. You went through that long ago. Now you are drifting away from your identification in a demarked world. Rather, you know your True Identity now, so all the rest of this charade becomes nonsense to you now. You own nothing. You own everything. There is one heartbeat, and it is Mine. I gave everything to you so you may give everything. Notice I did not say I gave everything away. Nor do you give away. There is no away. Away-ness does not exist. Oneness exists. When there is the concept of "yours and mine", division begins. We, you and I, are not here on Earth to divide anything. We are not here to sort life into piles. We are not taking from the rich to give to the poor. We are not taking from anyone. We are giving to everyone. Which one who is truly wealthy would want anyone to be poor? You own far more than the deed of your house and the jewelry you keep in it. Ownership is too limited a view. Now you are expanding your vision, not narrowing it. Really now, what blade of grass can you designate as yours? What grain of sand on the beach? Which ocean? They all are yours, and they are all everyone else's too. When this greater thinking is embraced in mass awareness, when hearts are great and selfishness is a thing of the past, who can be a thief? What will there be to steal? Who would want to furtively take that which belongs to him already? No longer will We speak of the rights of all. We are speaking of the blessings of all. No new laws will be passed. Laws will not be needed. There will be high consciousness instead. No one will be unemployed. All will be employed in love. There will be no formal welfare. No one will be in need. All will be givers, and respect will be given as well. There will be no authority but the authority of love. Love will become seamless. There will not even be your love or someone else's love. There will be love. All hearts will be understood. There will be no misunderstanding. The world will have risen. The world cannot rise and stay the same. All will be new. You will be new. You will be newly uplifted. Ascension is not something you observe, beloveds. It is something you are. You are ascended. God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
WORD FOR TODAY Contentment 1. Accept situation Lord has put you in 1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God has distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called everyone, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 2. Better to be godly and have little Psalms 37:16, Proverbs 16:8 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 3. Cheerful heart is good medicine Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 4. God satisfies the thirsty Psalms 107:9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. 5. Godliness with contentment is great gain 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 6. Just enough to satisfy needs Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Finding Unqualified Happiness
If Only Since most of our experiences are rooted in cause and effect, we naturally want to justify our contentment. We envision grand circumstances, stating that if only we could achieve this goal or obtain that possession, we would finally be in a position to attain happiness. As a result, satisfaction is always just out of reach and the very notion of grabbing hold of it seems like nothing more than a pipe dream. But the truth is that sincere contentment and fulfillment are never wholly the result of external events or situations. Though life's joyful moments can ignite the spark of contentment within us, that spark is fueled by serenity long established in our souls. When we forget this, it is easy to become stuck in "if only" patterns of thought. If we concentrate on the natural serenity that exists within us, however, we can move forward unimpeded by disappointment.
The circumstances you live through each day have the potential to bring both joy and despair into your life. Relying on the reactions they awaken within you to create an emotional foundation means living on a roller coaster of feeling whose course is determined by chance. Though you may yearn for the object of your desire-be it a new job, financial health, a spouse, or some other symbol of success-you have within you the power to be happy without it. Letting go of your "if only" thinking patterns can be as easy as recognizing that inward emptiness cannot be dispelled with outer world solutions. Try creating a list of your "if only"s. Then literally and figuratively let go of the items on the list by tearing it up or burning it. This simple action can help set in motion the intention to set you free, enabling you to make a fresh and balanced start in the present, unencumbered by regrets and unfulfilled desires.
There will likely be periods in your life in which you find yourself tempted to seek a magic formula for fulfillment that is centered upon a single goal or achievement. But the ingredients that come together to form the seeds of happiness that can sustain your spirit throughout the triumphs and trials of existence come from within rather than from without. When your search for satisfaction is focused on your soul, you will never fail to find the joy you seek. God has put a well of joy on the inside of us, and we need to tap into the contentment so we can enjoy what we already have. On a continual basis, we have to keep ourselves full of contentment, having a grateful attitude. God is replenishing our joy, our peace. Song and praise helps fill us up of joy, and peace. Life happens, and we lose our peace, and happiness. The only way to keep that peace is to be glad in our hearts for all we do have, and what God has done for us. It's an attitude. Just let God know we are grateful to be alive. Be aware of what we are feeding ourselves. Life will drag you down if you let it. We allow the stresses of life to take our peace. God has placed a song in each of our hearts, and it's up to us to keep it going. Never lose the little child in us who can be energized instantly, with encouragement.. Things may not perfect in our lives, but it could be a whole lot worse. We need to "smile by faith". it send messages to the body that everything is going to be okay. God mentions countenance over 50 times in the Bible. Let us get our song back, and stop letting other people steal our joy. In the middle of adversity, we can enjoy our life anyway. Declare that this is going to be a good day!
 WORD FOR TODAYPrayer1. Ask and it will be given Matthew 7:7,8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
2. Ask in Jesus' name John 14:13,14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.
3. Believe and you will receive Matthew 21;22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
4. Call on the Lord Psalms 145:18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
5. Earnest prayer James 5:17,18 Eli'-jah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit
6. Lift up hands in prayer 1Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Unbiased Prayer
May every creature abound in well-being and peace
May every living being, weak or strong, the long and the small,
the short and the medium-sized, the mean and the great--
May every living being, seen or unseen, those dwelling far off,
those nearby, those already born, those waiting to be born--
May all attain inward peace.
Let no one deceive another, despise another in any situation
Let no one, from confusion or hatred, wish evil to anyone at all.
Just as a mother, with her own life, protect her only son from hurt,
so within yourself foster a limitless concern for every living creature.
Display a heart of boundless love for all the world
In all it's height and depth and broad extent--
Love unrestrained, without hate or second thought
Then, as you stand or walk, sit or lie, until overcome by drowsiness,
Devote your mind entirely to this.....
it is known as...living here the life divine
Pray that this will be your best year ever!
When we trust God, we trust Him to do it His way. We can't get discouraged, because it doesn't turn around when you want it to. He has another way for it to come to pass. He has another way which is higher than our way. because it doesn't happen our way, doesn't mean it won't come to pass. Let's stay open and believing for our answer, and His favor. If the only way it's going to happen is your way, you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
God can see the "big picture". When we leave our prayers in God's hands, He can answer them in His own way. God has all kinds of ways to bring our prayers to pass.
And how many times have we missed out on our miracle by only wanting it to come to pass in a certain way? Staying open to God's way is the surest way People you meet along the way are a part of His plan. Never stop believing He is in control. His ways are better than our ways. We limit God by looking at the natural. We have to let the seeds of faith take root. Know that God's got your back. Dare to put your faith out there.....
 WORD FOR TODAY
COMPASSION
1. Be compassionate and humble 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethern, be pitiful, be courteous:
2. Be compassionate to the poor Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth to the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
3. Be compassionate to the weak Psalms 41:1 As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth mys oul after thee, O God.
4. Do not just pretend to love others Romans 12:9.10 let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;
5. Jesus understands your weakness Hebrews 4:15 For we have not a high priest wich cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
6. Love your neighbors as yourself Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.
God said:
It is easy to complain. It is easy to find fault. You pounce on fault. Pounce on something favorable instead. , The need for reform in government, for example, is not a new idea. Start by reforming your thoughts. Find something you like that your government is doing. Capitalize on that. Stop listing all the errors of its ways, as if the more you find, the better you are. The more in default your government is, the more you will do well to find that in which they serve well. Emphasize the good. Know that in the arena of your thoughts, you are responsible to every government in the world. Your thoughts are the true governors. By your thoughts are you known.
Elect your thoughts. Your thoughts are the seeds from which governments grow. Enough outrage, beloveds. Plant the seeds you want to grow. What do you talk about, beloveds? What is on your mind? If negativity is on your mind, then move your mind over to greener pastures. Provide better fodder for governing boards.
You often feel that you have no say-so. It often seems that everything goes against the high intention you set. Now set high standards for your thoughts and your words. Live up to the picture you want to paint.
What victory is there for you when you point out wrongs and wrongs alone? Do you gain points? Do you get a higher score? What do you win when you point out the faults of others? Does it make you smarter?
Have compassion for those who have decisions to make. You may not support their decisions. Whether they are right or wrong, send your powerful thoughts out to the decision-makers, the better for them to make the next decision. Half the time they don't know what they are doing. Half the time you don't either. Forgive others for being the same as you.
Do not harden your heart and consider yourself virtuous. That's what, when others do it, you call them smug.
In these days, instead of pelting stones, you have been throwing words. You throw words as if they have no power. By your thoughts and your words, you lift the world, or you throw it down. I know you want to uplift the world.
In your mind, you have made enemies. Have no enemies. You are all on the same side of the fence. Better yet, tear down those fences. Have no sides to be on, and then you will not be one-sided. One-sided is the same as close-minded.
When you see that a governments is loveless, then you must give love all the more. When someone is at the bottom of the ocean, you dive deeper to rescue them. You don't just report the news. Heretofore, you may have drowned yourself in the news. You may have outrage, or you may have thrown up your hands.
Right now bless all the governments of the world. Bless all the governors and mayors of the world. Bless all those who run for office. Bless those who are elected, and bless those who are not. Bless, and bless again. Wish everyone in the world well. By your noble thoughts, you bring the world closer to Heaven. By your panning thoughts, you keep the world where it is.
What possible good can an onslaught of attack do? Have mercy. Befriend those you consider foes. Send love to them. Never mind what everyone else is doing. Keep your thoughts high and heighten the world. Attack no one. You know better than to do physical harm. Now know better than to breed harmful thoughts. Lift your heart, beloveds, and send out love, no matter who or what it is that offends you.
We have to take the limits off what God can do, in our lives. We touch one person, and that person can touch millions. When God anoints you, you can do more with one touch than most can do in a life |
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